The Singles Club – February (Lovers edition)

The Singles Club – February (Lovers edition)

Considering we’re in the early knockings of a new decade it’s impressive that bands take the time to put out singles at this time of year anyway.  We welcome some fresh meat onto our pages and welcome back some brothers we always have time for on RPM for their sheer excellentness and an amazing repertoire of top tuneage. Oh, and good effort on bands like Smash Fashion who are embracing the format with two new bangers which is everything we love about Rock and Roll.  So here’s an impressive starting eleven me lovers, check these treats out…

The City Kids – ‘Best Of You’ (self-released) Not to be confused with Welsh glam legends City Kidds, this is the new project from former Main Gains axe-slinger JJ Watt. ‘Best Of You’ is the first single from their upcoming debut album ‘Things That Never Were’ and all proceeds from this release go to Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of Mikey Lawless from Falling Red.

JJ handles vocals and guitar on this project and he is joined by Dennis Post (Warrior Soul/Flush The Fashion), Berty Burton (Tigertailz) on bass and Falling Red drummer Dave Sanders.

‘Best Of You’ is a low slung, gritty rock ‘n’ roll number that stays true to JJ’s roots. Think Circus Of Power meets The Yo-Yos for reference. Vocals that can’t hide a 40 a day habit and a penchant for a rum or two, mix with greasy biker rock and tons of melody, what more could you desire?

Billy Tee and Alex Holmes from The Suicide Notes add vocals, guitar and a certain swagger to the ramshackle ‘Round And A Round’, which was co-written by JJ and a certain Mr Kory Clarke. This four-track release adds demos of the single and an old Main Grains track that they never recorded called ‘You Get Nothing’ that is worth the asking price alone.

All tracks feature on the album, albeit different versions, making this release more than just a curio for lovers of The Main Grains, The Wildhearts, Warrior Soul or anyone with a love of no-frills rock ‘n’ roll. Bandcamp / Facebook

 

 

 

Smash Fashion – ‘Got Da Hee Bee GeeBee’s’/ ‘Benny And The Jets’ (Yeah Right! Records) Smash Fashion tip the hat to the early punk rockers and they manage to spit their gum out long enough to knock this one right out the park.  exactly what a 7″ single should sound like, “cool as” kids trust me, Snotty and with a bit of street muscle Smash Fashion turn their efforts to the classic 7″ single and do it justice – nice.  Then flip it over for some retro-tinged Hoople hand-clapping, shithouse shaking Rock and Rolla. Damn Smash Fashion just gets better and better.  Check it out right now! Its an order.   Facebook  Pick it up Here

 

 

 

 

The Hip Priests – ‘Drink To My Demons’ (Speedowax Records)  Well as I wipe my brow those Hip Priests are in the house making good on the reason why a singles club is an essential staple of any website.  Yeah, so they’ve done plenty of singles so what? This ones a sexy picture disc! They’ve not done that before so new ground there for those purveyors of awesome Garage Rock. With more power than a front row of F1, this is a tasty twosome.  ‘Drink To My Demons’ is a banger (of course it is bla bla bla) No it really is. Nobody does it better as Von Cruz spits out the lyrics and no doubt fueled by the world they live in, The Hip Priest lead the charge in 2020,  For me, all the intrigue was about the B side and how The Priests were going to tackle the Adam And The Ants B-side from the ‘Kings Of The Wild Frontier’ single – ‘Press Darlings’. Oh wow! truly spectacular this needs to be heard Adam should hand over ownership pronto The Hip Priests absolutely kill it. magic stuff. Don’t pass this one by folks, just buy it or be left with custard pie(ella) on your face. Spasm Gang members can pick it up with some rather tasty beer mats thrown in as well.  Facebook

 

Rotten Mind – Not One Of You (Lövely Records) Today marks the release of “Not One of You”, Rotten Minds third and last single taken from the band’s fourth album “Rat City Dog Boy”, set for release this week February 7 to be precise on Lövely Records. “Not One of You” is the most darkwave- inspired track of the LP. The reverby guitar sounds, fat and pumping bass à la Joy Division and lyrics about alienation contribute to a gloomy atmosphere.Facebook

Lövely Records Facebook

 

 

 

Hells Ditch – ‘Vacant Hearts’ (Disconnect Disconnect (UK), Rose Coloured Records (UK) & Bypolar Records) 

Featuring ex/current members of Bad Ideas, River Jumpers & Dearist  Hells Ditch release their debut single next month on 7″ but is available now to stream.  With a modern punk rock sound its no surprise to see the band get  Mass Giorgini who has previously worked with the likes of  Rise Against, Anti Flag and Alcaline Trio. Whilst hailing from the UK they have a sprightly American sound which will have wide appeal. Be interesting to hear some more of these guys they could do really well.

Website / Facebook

 

ÅSKVÄDER – ‘NOTHING TO LOSE’ (The Sign Records) Unadulterated pure ’70s Rock that’s where ÅSKVÄDER are coming from with this the first single taken from their upcoming S/T debut album, to be released on The Sign Records this coming March. Yes, they’re from Sweden (where else?) is it Action enough for the Action Rock crowd?  (I’d say it certainly is) with some of that southern Rock boogie and a raw on the prowl guitar sound, this is sharp and whilst its roots are back in the mists of time they are not.  Check it out on streaming sites everywhere.

Facebook / The Sign Records Facebook

 

 

The Venomous Pinks – ‘I Want You’ (Die Laughing Records) Tempe, AZ all-female punk rock trio The Venomous Pinks has released a new single and music video, a cover of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts’ “I Want You,” which will appear on the band’s upcoming album of the same name.

The Venomous Pinks hit this particular nail squarely on the head with a ten-pound sledge. No subtlety, no compromise just a damn good interpretation of a Jett classic.  Not a band to be trifled with. Top tune!  Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

 

 

The Monsters – ‘I’m A Stranger To Me’ (Slovenly Records) Wild, reckless, outta control.  Just the way we like it here at RPM.  The lead track rattles along in spectacular fashion. With a guitar that’s like a twitching, buzz saw hacks and cuts through the moon the loon style drumming – its a rocket ride of a tune and that’s good enough for us.  Check em out.  flip it over to see if they are more than a one-trick pony and ‘Carpool Lane’ begins with some white noise before the slow Sabbath with no bottom end enters the fray …oh hang on we’re off on some hypnotic march.  Nuts I tell thee but what’s wrong with that?  Nothing that’s what.  Check out Monsters they rock!

 

 

 

Soraia – ‘Dangerous’ (Wicked Cool Records) Philadelphia rock quartet Soraia will release their new album ‘Dig Your Roots’ on March 13 via Steven Van Zandt’s label Wicked Cool Records. American radio is blowing up over these cats and having been influenced by the likes of Joan Jett and the vines so it’s a no brainer they were going to feature on the pages of RPM. Being part of the Wicked Cool roster isn’t too shabby either. this track released off the album ‘Dig Your Roots’ is punchy and has a decent riff on that chorus as you can see Joan Jett has indeed been an influence and its good to hear that again this month! Facebook

 

 

 

The Ghost Wolves – Lets Go To Mars (Dirty Water Records) Austin Texas has thrown up plenty of noteworthy bands and Ghost Wolves are certainly one of the busiest. Blending rock n’ roll, punk rock, garage and blues with electronic elements, the duo has earned a reputation as one of the hardest working bands in the modern rock n’ roll underground, touring internationally for almost 8 years straight, with nearly 1000 shows between them in 23+ countries including most of Western Europe, USA, U.K., and Japan. ‘Let’s Go To Mars’ is their latest offering on wax

Märvel – ‘Märvellous’ (The Sign Records)  The EP contains four tracks of hard hitting Rock n Roll; ‘Amaze-O’, ‘Marvellous’, ‘Public School 75’ and ‘A Taste of Platinum’.  Digital and 7″ vinyl.

Märvels debut EP “Märvellous” claimed to be recorded in 2002 for the American label New York Powerhitters during the bands exchange semester in Colorado. Märvel returned to Sweden before the songs were released, and the EP never got to reach the ears of Märvels dedicated fans. Well, Worry no more Märvel fans because the band has re-recorded the EP and it’s here. What does it sound like? Well, its got a flavour of classic Märvel of course but its got classic rock running through it from the Kiss like riffage on ‘Amaze-O’ and the pick of the four would go to ‘Märvellous’ again, more than a nod to what they learnt in Kisstory lessons at Rock school.  So you know where this  ones going kids its quality Rock! Marvel style.  Now go get one before they’re all gone gone gone.

Order the EP here:Bandcamp – Märvel

RPM writers top of the pops 2019 – The Live shows

RPM writers top of the pops 2019 – The Live shows

Some of the writers managed to send in their list of the top ten live shows they went to in 2019.  they attended hundreds of shows all over the place via trains, planes and automobiles.  On another day I’m sure these lists would change many times over.  RPM Online supports Rock and Roll and loves a live show and as you browse through the lists there are many genres covered as well as some familiar suspects there are many new entries this year.  We’d love to take this opportunity to thank all the bands who toured and played shows all over the UK and continue to do so, All the festivals that supported independent music from Rebellion Festivals and Camden Rocks to Steelhouse Festival in South Wales and all the festivals around Europe and wider thank you.  Continue to look after independent Rock and Roll and help it thrive and reach a wider audience if you want to get involved get in touch we always welcome fresh eyes and ears to spread the word: rpmonlinetcb@yahoo.com

 

 

Leigh Fuge 


John Mayer –  02 Arena London

Ryan Roxie –  The Asylum, Birmingham

Michael Monroe –  The Fleece, Bristol

The Cult –  University Great Hall, Cardiff

Kenny Wayne Shepherd –  City Hall, Salisbury

Kiss –  The Arena, Birmingham

Alice Cooper –  Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

Paul Gilbert –  The Fleece, Bristol

The Wildhearts  – The Tramshed, Cardiff

FM & The Quireboys  – The Globe, Cardiff

Nev Brooks 
Pulled Apart By Horses – Newport Le Pub (Reviewed Here)

Primal Scream –  Great Hall Cardiff

Alice Cooper, MC50, The Stranglers – Motorpoint Arena Cardiff

Nick Cave – Millenium Centre Cardiff

Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Bar Stool Preachers – O2 Bristol

The Hip Priests, DC Spectres, Deathtraps – Le Pub Newport

The Wildhearts, Towers Of London – SWX Bristol

Wonk Unit – Drogonfly Pontypool

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes – Sin City Swansea

Holy Holy – Tramshed Cardiff

 

 Gareth Hooper
Duncan Reid, Cyanide Pills, Bruno – Louisiana Bristol

Ginger & The Sinners – St John’s church Cardiff

Clowns, BBSC – The Exchange Bristol

Amyl And The Sniffers – Louisiana Bristol

Rich Ragany & The Digressions, The Speedways, More Kicks, The Spangles – The Blackheart London

The Wildhearts, Janus Stark – Komedia Bath

The Hip Priests – Le Pub Newport

Bar Stool Preachers, Rich Ragany & The Digressions – Clwb Ifor Bach Cardiff

Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind – Jacs Aberdare

The Stray Cats, Selector, The Living End – Hammersmith Eventime London

Johnny Hayward
Bar Stool Preachers, Rich Ragany & The Digressions, Social Experiment –  Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff (Reviewed Here)

The Hip Priests, Rotten Foxes, Flash House, Glitter Piss –  The Pipeline, Brighton

Rebellion Festival 2019 – Winter Gardens, Blackpool

Jim Jones & The Righteous Minds, Heavy Flames, Deathtraps –  Jacs, Aberdare

Death By Unga Bunga, Seek Warmth –  Hy Brasil, Bristol

Dboy, The Vega Bodegas, Nigel –  Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff

The Stray Cats, The Selector, The Living End –  Hammersmith Apollo, London

Grave Pleasures – The Fleece, Bristol

Pulled Apart By Horses, Baba Naga, Dactyl Terra –  Le Pub, Newport

Clowns, Broken Bones Gentleman’s Club, Glug – The Exchange, Bristol

Fraser Munro
Adam Ant – St Davids Hall Cardiff

Kiss – Kiss Kruise, Miami

Michael Monroe, Electric Eel Shock – The Fleece, Briatol

The Hip Priests – The Drippers, Deathtraps – JT Soar, Nottingham

Alice Cooper, MC50, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

Turbonecro, The Hip Priests – The Chameleon, Nottingham

Dboy – Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff

The Damned – KK’s Steel Mill. Wolverhampton

Skidrow, Backyard Babies – The Forum, London

the Wildhearts, Towers Of London – Tramshed, Cardiff

Ben Hughes
Michael Monroe – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds (Reviewed Here)

Duff McKagan/Shooter Jennings – Academy 3, Manchester

The Wildhearts – Stylus, Leeds

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds

Low Cut Connie – The Fulford Arms, York

Amyl & The Sniffers – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds

Ryan Hamilton Songs & Stories Show – Bloomfield Square, Otley

Tyla’s Dogs D’amour – The Fulford Arms, York

Levellers – The Minack Theatre, Cornwall

Hands Off Gretel – The Fulford Arms, York

Nigel Taylor 

The Stray Cats – O2, Birmingham

Saint Agnes – Plymouth Junction, Plymouth

The Wildhearts – Cavern, Exeter

Motörgoblin (Orange Goblin plays Motörhead) – St Moritz Club, London

Ginger Wildheart – St Johns Church, Cardiff

Queensryche – Islington Assembly Hall, London

Mother Vulture – End of the World Festival, Plymouth

Uriah Heep – Steelhouse Festival, Wales

Cradle of Filth – London Palladium, London

Ghost – Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

Blaze Bayley – The Junction, Plymouth

Dom Daley
Rebellion Festival – Winter Gardens, Blackpool (Reviewed Here)

The Damned – London Palladium, London

Michael Monroe, Electric Eel Shock – The Fleece, Bristol

Duncan Reid &The Big Heads, Cyanide Pills, Bruno – Louisiana, Bristol

Amyl & The Sniffers – Lousiana, Bristol

Ginger & The Sinners – St Johns Church, Cardiff

Clowns – The Exchange, Bristol

Rich Ragany & The Digressions, The Speedways, More Kicks, The Spangles – Black Heart Camden, London

New Model Army – Tramshed, Cardiff

The Wonder Stuff – O2, Bristol

The Best Albums of 2019 – RPM Online Writer Choices

The Best Albums of 2019 – RPM Online Writer Choices

Martin Chamarette 

‘Get Your Shit Together’ – Hunt Sales Memorial
‘Collectiv’ -; Jim Jones And The Righteous Mind
‘21st Century Rocks’ – Andy McCoy
‘Kiss My Ring’ – King Salami And The Cumberland Three
‘ZAC’ – Zac
‘One Man Gang’ – Michael Monroe
‘E.V.A’ – Giuda
‘Last Punk Standing’ – Wild Billy Childish And CTMF
‘Shortcuts’ – The Chuck Norris Experiment
‘40’ – The Stray Cats.

Ben Hughes

‘Renaissance Men’ – The Wildhearts
‘Tenderness’ – Duff McKagan
‘End Of Suffering’ – Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes
‘I Want The World’ – Hands Off Gretel
‘Beautiful Things – Donnie Vie
’24 Carat Diamond Trephine’ – Avalanche Party
‘One Man Gang’ – Michael Monroe
‘This Is The Sound’ – Ryan Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts
‘Amyl & The Sniffers’ – Amyl & The Sniffers
‘On Safari’ – Ulysses

Nigel Taylor 

‘Renaissance Men’ – The Wildhearts
‘Natural Disasters’ – Matt Woods
‘All Tree’ – Hexvessel
‘Moonglow’ – Avantasia
‘Wrong Again Albert’ – The Cosmic Trip Advisors
Absurdum Ad Nausium’ – Cybernetic Witch Cult
‘Doomus Abruptus Vol1’ – Scissorfight
‘Awakening’ – Sacred Reich
‘Backbone’ – Status Quo
‘Old News’ – The Steel Woods

Craggy Collyde

‘Burnt Rubber’ – The Phobics
‘Spiderbites’ – Indonesian Junk
‘Renaissance Men’ – The Wildhearts
‘One Man Gang’ – Michael Monroe
‘…Like We’ll Never Make It…’ – Rich Ragany & The Digressions
‘Islands’ – Pete Berwick
‘A Rock Supreme’ – Danko Jones
‘Sunset Kids’ – Jesse Malin
‘Cactusville’ – The Hangmen
‘No Holiday’ – The Muffs

Gerald Stansbury

‘In Borrowed Shoes On Borrowed Time’ – The Sweet Things
‘Zokusho’ – The Defiants
‘One Man Gang’ – Michael Monroe
‘Out Of My Head’ – Poison Boys
‘Androgyne’ – Gyasi
‘Jack O’Byte Bluesy Vol 1’ – Tyla’s Dogs D’Amour
‘Rennaisance Men’ – The Wildhearts
‘Waves’ – Austin Meade
‘Long Time Coming’ – Micky And The Motorcars
‘I Like You But Not Like That’ – The Darts
‘Look At Me I’m Fine’ – Billy Pettinger
‘City Of Class’ – Bitch Queens

 

Fraser Munro

‘Stand For Nothing’ – The Hip Priests
‘Action Rock’ – The Drippers
‘Anybody Wanna Skate’ – Jonny Manak & The Depressives
‘One Man Gang’ – Michael Monroe
‘City Of Class’ – Bitch Queens
‘After Dark’ – Pale Lips
‘Silver & Gold’ – Backyard Babies
‘Nature/Nurture’ – Clowns
‘Renaissance Men’ – The Widhearts
‘Your Disobedient Servant’ – Alvin Gibbs & The Disobedient Servants

Johnny Hayward

‘Go To Hell Then Turn Left’ – Spermbirds
‘Black Door’ – The Volcanics
‘Stand For Nothing’ – The Hip Priests
‘Sunshine Music’ – Bob Mould
‘One Man Gang’ – Michael Monroe
‘Your Disobedient Servant’ – Alvin Gibbs & The Disobedient Servants
‘Somebodys Knocking’ – Mark Lanegan Band
‘Beyond The Door’ = Redd Kross
‘Nurture/ Nature’ – Clowns
‘City Of Class’ – Bitch Queens

 

Gareth Hooper

‘Kiss Off’ – “Demons”
‘Headzapoppin’ – Ginger Wildheart
’21st Century Rocks’ – Andy McCoy
‘One Man Gang’ – Michael Monroe
‘…Like We’ll Never Make It…; – Rich Ragany & The Digressions
‘Amyl & The Sniffers’ – Amyl & The Sniffers
‘Silver & Gold’ – Backyard Babies
‘Vocal Remover Requested’ – Honest John Plain
‘Nature/Nurture’ – Clowns
‘Renaissance Men’ – The Wildhearts

Gaz Tidey

‘Sun Songs’ – Art Alexakis
‘Beyond The Door’ – Redd Kross
‘One Man Gang; – Michael Monroe
‘Celebrity Mansions – Dinosaur Pile Ups
‘Stand For Nothing’ – The Hip Priests
‘Renaissance Men’ – The Wildhearts
‘Old Habits Die Hard’ – Junkyard
‘Lucifer’ – Jesus Chrüsler Supercar
‘Born To Fly’ – Jetboy
‘Scarred For Life’ – Various Artists

Nev Brooks

‘All The Seasons’ – Dead Shed Jokers

‘Get Your Shit Together’ – hunt Sales Memorial

‘Sunset Kids’ – Jesse Malin

‘Stand For Nothing’ – The Hip Priests

‘Ghosteen’ – Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds

‘Free’ – Iggy Pop

‘One Man Gang’ – Michael Monroe

‘Body Bag Your Scene’ – Riskee & Ridicule

‘Humanworld’ – Peter Perrett

‘Stations Of The Cross’ – Hugo Race

Leigh Fuge

‘Truth And Lies’ – Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown

‘Rise’ – Tom Keifer

‘One Man Gang’ – Michael Monroe

‘How Long’ – Ariel Posen

‘This Land’ – Gary Clark Jr.

‘The Traveller’ – Kenny Wayne Shepherd

‘Amazing Disgrace’ – The Quireboys

‘Behold Electric Guitar’ – Paul Gilbert

‘New Day Rising’ – Forever Vendetta

‘Kill Or Be Kind’ – Samantha Fish

Dom Daley

‘Get Your Shit Together’ – Hunt Sales Memorial

‘Collectiv’ – Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind

21st Century Rocks’ – Andy McCoy

‘Stand For Nothing’ – The Hip Priests

‘One Man Gang’ – Michael Monroe

‘Out Of Our Heads’ – Poison Boys

‘Metal Town’ – TV Crime

‘Your Disobedient Servant’ – Alvin Gibbs & The Disobedient Servant

‘Tenderness’ – Duff McKagan

‘Beyond The Door’ – Redd Kross

 

 

Top of The Pops 2019 – Albums

Top of The Pops 2019 – Albums

RPM Online Album Of The Year

Well, we’ve reached that time of year again where the writers of RPM were forced into the voting both given a blunt pencil and forced to vote for their album of the year.  Unlike a certain General Election result this time I don’t think people were too disappointed with the final result and by a landslide rock and Roll won.

 

Interestingly this years winner didn’t win any single writers vote but featured very heavily throughout the writers lists more than any other artist or artists so its a fair cop guv and, to be honest, had the live show count been anything to go by it was a landslide and another good year all around. With writers coming from several continents and five different countries there might be a few miles between us but we all have some things in common and one of those is a love for Rock and Roll. I’m sure had it been a Top 20 people would have still had a headache as to what to put in.  Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s been a shit year for new music as there were plenty of records released and many of them reviewed on RPM Online and with over 50 albums getting a mention from the team of writers (that’s just their top 10!).

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank not only all the artists who’ve released new records in 2019 and to all the excellent press departments and Labels especially the independent ones who’ve worked tirelessly to bring us the music and obviously to the songwriters and musicians whose work we’ve had many many hours of enjoyment listening to and raving about you know who you are many of whom it’s been a pleasure to get to know throughout the year.

What we’ll do is give the top ten a rundown in reverse order then each individual writers ten albums in no particular order so here goes.

Number 10

Duff McKagan – ‘Tenderness’ (UMC)

Review 

 

Number 9

Jim Jone & The Righteous Mind – ‘Collectiv’ (MaSonic Records)

Review

 

Number 8

Jesse Malin – ‘Sunset Kids’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Review

 

Number 7

Redd Kross – ‘Beyond The Door’ (Merge Records)

Review 

 

Number 6

Rich Ragany & The Digressions – ‘…Like We’ll Never Make It!…'(Glunk Records)

Review

 

Number 5

Andy McCoy – ’21st Century Rocks’ (Ainoa Productions)

Review

 

 

Number 4

Hunt Sales Memorial – ‘Get Your Shit Together’ ( Big Legal Mess Records)

Review

 

Number 3 

The Hip Priests – ‘Stand For Nothing’ (several independent labels)

Review 

 

Number 2

The Wildhearts – ‘Renaissance Men’ (Graphite Records)

Review 

 

Number 1

Michael Monroe – ‘One Man Gang’ (Silver Lining Music)

Review 

 

 

So congratulations to all the bands who made the RPM Online top ten.  Especially Michael Monroe for taking top spot in the hotly contested category as well as all the ones that didn’t there were dozens and dozens of albums released in 2019 that we reviewed.  We managed to catch up with a few of the bands who made it onto the pages of RPM Online in 2019 to find out what made it onto their turntables this year and to find out any highlights they might have had.  Here is some beginning with Jeff from The Brothers Steve…

 

Jeff Whalen (Guitar /Vocals – The Brothers Steve)

“I don’t think I listened to any records that came out in 2019!  So I picked my top 5 records that were new to me in 2019!”

 Tiny Tim—God Bless Tiny Tim
The Beagles—Here Come the Beagles
White Reaper—The World’s Best American Band
The Speedies—You Need Pop
The Millennium—Begin
Rich Jones Guitarist (Michael Monroe/Black Halos) –
Pup – Morbid Stuff
The Wildhearts – Renaissance Men
Jeff Rosenstock – Thanks, Sorry! / Sorry, Thanks!
Berlin Blackouts – Nastygram Sedition
The Menzingers – Hello Exile
BEST RE-ISSUE: The Replacements – Dead Man’s Pop
Duncan Reid – Duncan Reid & The Big Heads
Starcrawler – ‘Devour You’ (especially the track No More Pennies)
2 Albums which spoke to my Country Side:
The long Ryders – ‘Psychedelic Country Soul’ (especially Greenville)
Kim Lenz – S’lowly Speeding’
Not an album but the single ‘Fire Ready Aim’ by Green Day which was superb
And The Baby shakes  ‘Cause a Scene’  (especially the title track)
As for Highlights, there were Many highlights of 2019 especially Rebellion which went superbly for us and I’m really looking forward to the release of our new album early 2020 as well as playing the Kubix Festival.
Steve Coulter – (Drums) The Brothers Steve 
The Gold—T’he Gold’
The Armoires – ‘Zibaldone’
The Cutthroat Brothers – ‘Taste For Evil’
The Coolies – ‘Uh Oh! It’s…The Coolies’
The New Pornographers – ‘In The Morse Code Of Brake Lights’
As for the highlights of 2019 it has to be making the Brothers Steve ‘#1’ & The Go All The Ways as well as writing about music ‘Go All The Way A Literary Appreciation Of Power Pop!

Lee Love (The Hip Priests)

Clowns – ‘Nature/Nurture’

TV Crime – ‘Metal Town’

Bitch Queens – ‘City Of Class’

The Drippers – ‘Action Rock’

Schizophonics – ‘People In The Sky’

 

Melchior Quitt (Bitch Queens)

Clowns – ‘Nature / Nature’

Amyl & The Sniffers – ‘Amyl & The Sniffers’

The Hip Priests – ‘Stand For Nothing’

Saint Agnes – ‘Welcome To Silvertown’

The Schizophonics – ‘People In The Sky’

As for the Highlight of 2019, There are several. Two for Bitch Queens were to put out our brand new album ‘City Of Class’ and to finish our new recording studio to keep on doin’ what we are doin’ far away from the big business.

The Best event this year was Sjock. “What could be better than hanging out with my boys from The Hip Priests and seeing the best Action Rock bands from all around the world! I am looking forward to touring with Bitch Queens in Europe next year and to record a shitload of new singles and split 7“ And of course, there are two of the probably best records 2020 in the pipeline – The Good, the Bad & the Zugly and Kvelertak. 2020 is gonna be good!

Mathius Engelbrekt Carlsson – “Demons”  – 
 All right. My top picks for 2019.
Jeff Dahl – ‘Electric Junk’
Guitar Wolf – ‘Love & Jett’
Amyl & The Sniffers – ‘Amyl & The Sniffers’
The Hip Priests – ‘Stand for Nothing’
Bitch Queens – ‘City of Class’
The Drippers – ‘Action Rock’
Dead Furies – ‘Stay Gold Ponyboy’
“One of few highlights of 2019 was getting ‘Kiss Off’ off the ground. This has been one of those years. For music it has been a great year though and especially for Rock’n’Roll.
Next year it’s the 25th anniversary for “DEMONS” and we hope that we can tour as much as possible starting with Japan in January. A new record will be out as well as some old stuff. Hopefully our first unreleased album and possibly a Demonology II. See you on the other side.”

Motherfuckin’ Motherfuckers are Trillion Dollar Men

Motherfuckin’ Motherfuckers are Trillion Dollar Men

Two of our favourite bands have joined together in unholy matrimony once again for our listening pleasure and have released a brand new single entitled ‘Trillion Dollar Man’.

 

The two The Hip Priests and two Bitch Queens members recorded four high energy action rock tracks in one day. 7″ will come in red and blue vinyl. All you streaming folk out there in cyberspace can also shove it on your playlist like we will be doing from here – Spotify

 

Rebellion Festival Announce more bands for 2020

Rebellion Festival Announce more bands for 2020

Finally, Friends of RPM ONLINE The Hip Priests get added to the bill for 2020 along with some other heavyweight bands we love.  No doubt all roads lead North West for the Spasm Gang along with Bouncing Souls and T.S.O.L these additions have excited us here at RPM HQ that’s for sure.

If you’ve never heard of the Hip Priests then you should have a word with yourself but before you do check out their epic call to arms –

 

Here is the list of today’s announcements to accompany what has already been announced.  2020 is already shaping up to one hell of a Rebellion

BOUNCING SOULS
T.S.O.L.
DYS
D.I.
ADRENALIN O.D.
999
THE MEN THEY COULDN’T HANG
AUTHORITY ZERO
NEWTOWN NEUROTICS
ALTERNATIVE TV
MENACE
GOLDBLADE
SPLOGENESSABOUNDS
LOS FASTIDIOS
CHAOTIC DISCHORD
CRIM
GIMPFIST
HOBO JONES & THE JUNKYARD DOGS
FUNERAL DRESS
CONTROL
RISKEE AND THE RIDICULE
CALL ME MALCOLM
CRASHED OUT
EXTERNAL MENACE
ROUND EYE ( CHINA)
HEADSTICKS
LIINES
CRACKED ACTORS
LA INQUISICION
VIRUS
THE LONG GAME
DANGEROUS DAVE & THE SIDE EFFECTS
ALCOHOL LICKS
TERMINAL RAGE
AMBITION DEMOLITION
WHITE RIBBONS
CHAOS 8
HIP PRIESTS
SLOW FACTION
DESENSITISED
COMPLETE DYSFUNCTION

Tickets

45 RPM – October and the trees are stripper bare

45 RPM – October and the trees are stripper bare

 

Ok, so the title is a lyric from a U2 song about October but thats the closest Dublins favourite son is gonna get to RPM singles club and to be fair he wouldn’t stand a chance with some of this months singles. from multi-platinum recording artists to some of our favourites paying homage to the gods of Metal none the less  its another mixed bag of genres but the standard is the usual high bar we like to set.  So without further waffle lets plug the jukebox in and do us all a favour…

Down N Outz – This Is How We Roll (UMC)  An uptempo rock and rolla from Joe and the boys sees some neat riffola on the verses courtesy of The Quireboys’ Paul Guerin and Guy Griffin. The band are nicely rounded off by Keith Weir (keyboards), Share Ross (Bass, ex Vixen) and Phil Martini (drums, Wayward Sons) Its the first track taken from the album of the same title and it doesn’t really sound too similar to any of the associated bands and is more in tune with Elliott’s love of ’70s glam rock and Mott The Hoople which is never going to be a bad thing. Buy Here

 

 

The Drowns – Hold Fast (Pirates Press) Heres the technical piece –  this 12“ one-sided record will leave just about any vinyl collector speechless. On first inspection, this may seem like it’s a picture disc, but it’s not! As the leaves in the wreath are actually transparent! This one-sided record is actually digitally printed on the non-groove side, with two separate passes through the machine, creating one very cool (and very limited!) brand new style of 12“ – pressed on real vinyl, sounding great, unlike actual picture discs.

The possibilities are endless for creating eye-catching and powerful releases using this new method of digitally printing on records… pairing this brand new format with a band garnering so much praise and generating so much excitement right now is the perfect fit; and best way to spread the word about both things, fast! Right, got that?  Wow it looks cool I’m sure you’ll agree but its no good if its joust going to be a wall hanger but The Drowns Hold Fast is a fuckin’ blinding slice of uplifting punk rock. The video for Hold Fast is below so you can check it out for yourself bu t’Demons’ is gang vocals and air pumping fist raised anthems and if this is a sample of what’s to come then the album is going to be something special.

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Prohibition Dead – ‘Let Me Live Or Die’ (Why A Bassist Production) Clearly influenced by Queens Of The Stone Age this French two-piece make enough noise for a whole traditional four-piece band – its catchy has a solid foundation and will appeal to a lot of Jack White fans as well as the more grungy types.  Its the second track off their soon to be released EP set for November. Its a decent loud slice of Fuzzy alt-rock so if that’s yer bag and you are partial to some Black Keys and QOTSA then fill yer boots this will please ya.   Buy ‘Let Me Live Or Die’ Here

 

 

 

The Hip Priests / Spaceforce – Split (Speedowax) With shit island heading for implosion and the last 45 round-up not having a Hip Priests single included I was beginning to give up hope and was thinking whats the chuffin point then this bad boy turns up.  With the finest sleeve to date, it was down to the boyz makin all the noiz to offer up a reason for continuing and they not only give us one track but two and drag along Spaceforce with one for good measure. ‘My Damnation’ and ‘Play It Loud’ are not so much passable little ditties but the latter is a fuckin’ order Play it loud is like Iggy and Ron joining Biff and the boys and kicking out the jams. ‘Play It Loud’ In your neighborhood! too damn right. as for ‘My Damnation’ its total potty mouth and like a heavyweight boxer punching you on the sly right below the belt love the bridge BVs and the solo rips (of course it does).  It never gets boring saying it but they simply have no peers in the 45s stakes and there isn’t anyone making records as consistently good as these reprobates.

As for Spaceforce it’s a thankless task really but they hammer away like Maiden when DiAnno was da man (and when they had something to say) on ‘Ignition’ and their take on the Venom classic ‘Black Metal’ has my respect, you gentlemen, are all Hellbound. Black metal and little green men?  I fuckin love this shit? Stonker of a single and the artwork is pure fuckin genius. Single of the month and might well be single of the year! How’s that!

 

BATS –  The Call Of Cthulhu (Self Release)   With the forthcoming release of their third studio album ‘ALTER NATURE’, this is the first video off the record.  A dark as fuck take to be fair noisy, yup we like noisy. Messed up – yup again we like messed up.  Twisted, ok you get the picture.  It’s their first piece of new music in seven years.  I’m still trying to work it out = nutters’.

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 The Empty Page –  ‘You’re Tame'(Punk Fox records) Cats! but wait before we get carried away with the fluffy creatures we do need to tell you this single is available digitally everywhere and also on limited edition splatter 7″ vinyl from Rough Trade and other select indie record stores. The band stated it was an unashamed slice of 90s alt rock in the vein of Veruca Salt or Hole and we say theres nothing to be ashamed of there guys it might indeed have that retro outsider feel to it and the video is rather Terry Christian The Word about it but thats cool.  Don’t smother your wild side you Empty Pages just keep being you doing what you do and when it’s as good as this and the previous singles then we’ll keep listening and telling others to follow suit. Do it and aren’t they cuddly?  and those cats! (*No musicians were harmed in the making of this video) it’ll be on limited splatter vinyl and have the previous single on the flip side.  Cool as.

oso oso “Basking In The Glow” (Counter-Intuitive Records) About to embark on his first UK tour here’s our introduction to Oso Oso with a great piece of guitar pop – power pop if you like it’s catchy and full of that raw guitar-driven pop not a million miles from some of the stuff Butch Walker puts out hows that for a none too shabby name check? . Check it out via the medium of video and just in case you’re curious here are the tour dates for this week coming around England –  Oct 16 MARGATE, Elsewhere, Oct 17 BRIGHTON, Green Door Store, Oct 18 MANCHESTER, Deaf Institute, Oct 19 LEEDS, The Key Club, Oct 20 GLASGOW, The Hug & Pint, Oct 22 BIRMINGHAM, Sunflower Lounge, Oct 23 NOTTINGHAM, The Bodega,
Oct 24 LONDON, Boston Music Room, and Oct 25 BRISTOL, Louisiana All tickets are on sale now HERE

Oso Oso: Facebook | Twitter | Spotify

Mono In Stereo – ‘Different Kind Of Man’ (Rum Bar Records) Taken from their second album ‘Can’t Stop The Bleeding’ this uplifting honest slice of Heartland rock n roll with attitude it’s infectious like a bit of Springsteen if he recorded after a night on the dark fruits and a fistfight.  Great rock n roll is always a good place to be and these cats nail it.

45 Rally – Tweets For My Sweet (Rum Bar Records) Tank tops and ties.  Ok, its a first but we’re a broad church.  45 Rally are swinging their pants for sure it’s like some hip house party house band from the swinging ’60s with authentic tambourine backbeat sloppy backing vocals and awesome keyboards. ‘Bigly’ is up first and don’t take too long settling down or you’ll miss it.  Like the Fuzztones chirpy brother theres nothing dark here it’s bubblegum garage done very well indeed and all the song titles come from Trump tweets! could have covered an album full from that bulb but an EP will do for starters Garage Rock from Switzerland who’d have thought it?

 

The Urban Voodoo Machine – Johnny Foreigner (Gypsy Hotel Records) Taken from the compilation album, ‘The Urban Voodoo Machine’s Friends And Family Album Vol 1’ it’s  the band’s riposte to the xenophobia and rise in the UK of all things English nationalism and a rise by right-wing extremists that’s indeed been stinking up the place since Brexshit.  We love ya Paul-Ronney Angel and of course you can stay, our home is your home, we don’t own this shit island. The Urban Voodoo Machine are as magnificent as ever with their sleazy booze-soaked bop n stroll and yet another must-have track gets added to their repertoire. Facebook 

Dirty Sound Magnet – Skull Drawing Rose (Hummus Records) Swiss Psychedelic Rockers Dirty Sound Magnet the latest single from the Album due this week ‘Transgenic’ it isn’t even the longest single we’ve ever had on the 45rpm round-up that title goes to those pesky Hip Priests but this is the first psychedelic progressive Hard Rock song we’ve had entered our charts.  Go fill yer boots ya pixie loving flute wielding prog rats.

The Crookeds – Sucker For Pain (Golden Robot Records) Some classic rock leanings add yet more textures to this month’s 45 RPM round up.  Australian rockers The Crookeds bring their riff laden rock to the club where they mix up some alt rock with a more classic rock sound.  With loud guitars and a Buckley esk soaring vocal.  check it out rockers! 

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Lazybones – Trash Talk  (Say Something Records) Inspired by the likes of Black Sabbath, Sex Pistols and Chas & Dave, using a fuzzy bass guitar, an amplified organ and drums, Lazybones create a trashy, unapologetic, to-the-point British sound. and ‘Trash Talk’ is a loud and unapologetic romp. All the way to the chorus its a bumpy ride but when you get there it’s like screaming on top of a mountain like PJ Harvey riding a rocket.  You can stream this along with other Lazybones songs on Spotify  the band head out around the UK later this month and early next to bosh gig goers over the head with their fuzzed up alt pop – check em out. Here – Website Facebook Twitter Instagram

 

 

A Bunch OF Jerks – Dirt Nap (Rum Bar Records) The first track off their second album has the neat lead single ‘Dirt Nap’ – A snotty spikey slice of Garage punk.  Where the gang vocals are young, loud and snotty and they mix up some B52s with a raw punk rock old school.  It’s in yer face and will follow you around all night as you find your self shouting “Dirt Nap” at random intervals.  This Boston awesome foursome come armed with a full-length (ooh er Mrs.)  album where ‘Dirt Nap’ is lifted from and if this is anything to go by we’ll be all over some more of that. Check it out ya punks! Besides they had a song called ’70s Euro Minge’ for fuck’s sake what’s not to like.  They obviously have all the right credentials  Facebook

 

The Good The Bad And The Zugly – Staying With the Trouble ( Fysisk Format) What nice guys GBZ are. Offering to hold ones hand whilst we navigate these troubled times.  Always great to hear what these loons are up to and they’ve not made a bad record yet. With this being the first peek at what’s to come on the new album ‘Algorithm & Blues’ it sounds a little restrained if I’m honest (in a good way obviously) Its anthemic and will make for a wonderful experience live I’m sure of that. Norway is delivering some fantastic bands and music at the minute and These bad boys are at the top of the pile now get your ears around this and pre-order the album because they’re touring early next year.  I’m staying with the trouble and they can hold my hand any day. Facebook

 

Territories – Quit This City/Defender (Pirates Press Records) Wow, what a stunner this is to wrap up this singles Club.  Hailing from Calgary and following on from their debut long-player last summer these two songs just blew me away.  Its heartfelt chest-beating punk rock these longtime friends have been cutting their teeth for quite a while around Western Canada and since that debut album they’ve been building up a head of steam to this point and from the quiet intro of electric guitar and voice we then break out and deliver a stunning rousing single in ‘Quit This City’.

As the band gear up for their first jaunt to play Rock The Boat this will more than confirm their qualities and worthy place for being on that ship and kicking ass.  I hope it won’t be a case of man overboard as the audience won’t be able to stay still when this erupts. The B side might be more solid paced with its thumping, driving bass line its so good I couldn’t resist digging into the bands back catalogue. Exciting times ahead.  Go check em out and tell em RPM sent ya! Facebook 

45 RPM – unplug the jukebox and do us all a favour

45 RPM – unplug the jukebox and do us all a favour

The Hip Priests / Grindhouse – Split (Savage Magic) It just wouldn’t be a singles round-up without a Hip Priests 45 so here you go, boys and girls, the undisputed kings of UK garage punk rock ‘n’ roll are back in the ring and this time they’re tag-teaming with the down under divas Grindhouse. It’s a no brainer that we’re gonna be all over this slice of noise firstly the two tracks offered up by The Hip Priests are ‘Stand For Nothing’ from the album of the same title and ‘I Hate The City’ that just scorches like a dragster on the Bonneville Salt Flats.  Fair play to the buggers it doesn’t matter what year who they play with and who ignores them and their tunes They know and I know that the Hip Priests are da bomb and always kick serious backside and there is no other band with their volume of quality singles under their collective bullet belts peerless dirty filthy rock and fucking roll.  Get on it before they are all gone.  As for the flip.  Australia has always been strong in the fucked up loud Rock and Roll stakes and there’s no denying that Grindhouse have probably eaten their way through a fair few.  the perfect split partners as their contribution is a Lemmy inspired romp through ‘All Washed Up’ followed by ‘Cum Punch’  I won’t even begin to ask but I do know I like it no I love it (not Cum punching but the tune) Dirty Boys. Single of the month?  What do you think? Of course it is.

 

The Snivelling Shits – Bring Me The Head Of Yukio Mishima (Damaged Goods) Sounding like classic late 70’s punk rock The Snivelling Shits spit n snarl their way through this rather splendid single.  Having made a comeback some 40 years after the last time the band played this single celebrates the life and death of the actor, model, poet film director Mishima who ended up losing his head quite literally.  It’s backed by a cover of  ‘Et Moi, Et Moi, Et Moi’ which is more of the same to be fair and a bloody good couple of vintage punk rock tunes. Head over to Damaged Goods to pick up your copy.

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Wilmette – Anxious Body (Mutant League Records)  a 4-piece from the Chicago suburbs that combines pop-punk and hardcore with a fresh style that relies on pop hooks, honest lyrics, and strong musicianship the band’s opener sounds like a load of Taking back Sunday tunes wrapped into one from the quiet opening to the crashing chorus. The EP spread over five tracks covers all bases from the tight chord changes of ‘Carol From HR’ to the video track featured below.  Big sounds from the newcomers.

 

TAROT RATS – Only The Brave (Will Remain) (WDFD Records) Big – Dirty guitar riffs are the order of the day for Tarot Rats who release this new single and video. Tarot Rats offer up a unique and contemporary take on indie blues-rock. With a critically acclaimed eclectic mix of filthy riffs and soulful melodies, the Rats can be found free from the flock of generic sounds, playing all over the UK.

 

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The Survival Code – Crosses To Carry, Coffins To Fill (Good Deeds Music) The band are a London-based rock duo with an unabashed passion for riffs, soaring melodies and thunderous drums. Long admired for their driven and energetic live performances, the two-piece serve up intense and brawny rock cuts that lodge deep into your senses. To date, the duo have racked up rampant support from many industry tastemakers, picking up exposure from Kerrang!, Classic Rock, Powerplay, Fireworks Magazine, and Rock Sound Magazine, as well as widespread radio support from Kerrang! Radio and Planet Rock.  Formed in 2012 THE SURVIVAL CODE will continue their ascent with the release of a series of videos to coincide with the EP, as well as a string tour dates:

August 15th – Big Red – London (EP LAUNCH); October 23rd – Bunkhouse – Swansea; 24th – Fuel – Cardiff; 25th – Slaughtered Lamb – London; 26th – The Hope & Ruin – Brighton; 28th – The Tin At The Coal Vaults; 29th Chameleon – Nottingham; 30th – Castle Hotel – Manchester; 31st – Outpost – Liverpool; November 2nd – Old England – Bristol; 3rd – Suburbia – Southampton.

www.thesurvivalcode.co.uk  www.facebook.com/thesurvivalcode/
www.twitter.com/thesurvivalcode  www.soundcloud.com/thesurvivalcode

 

THE FANTASTIC TERRORS – Empty Refrigerator Sunday (Ikaros Records) The Fantastic Terrors released their 7″ debut record, including two songs titled “The Yodeler ” and “Empty Refrigerator Sunday”.  Coming out of Greece The band release a rather strange video to accompany this single.  Loud guitars being the order of the day and a pretty decent introduction.

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Scumbag Millionaire – Rolling Heavy (Suburban Records) The fourth single taken from the bands pretty awesome album sees ‘Rolling Heavy’ on one side and ‘Rolling Heavy’ (live) on the other. To be fair if you don’t already own the album then this will give you a pretty decent indication of what to expect but its not rocket science here it’s Swedish Action Rock and Roll played to excess and with a truck full of passion. If you want our advice then pick this up and do a deal to get hold of the long-player this is taken from ‘Speed’ as well you won’t regret it at all.

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Glitter Machine – Take The Pain From their debut album, ‘Hanging Out For Fame’. It’s a feral love song and who am I to disagree.  Its got a great groove and some neat guitar-slinging.check out the video

Roxy Girls – ‘Spanners For Hands’ (Moshi Moshi Records) Sunderlands Roxy Girls are sparse power pop punk rock angular sharp guitar chords and licks (not dissimilar to the mighty Buzzcocks) The track is taken from the forthcoming mini-album (remember them?), not unlike the first track released of the record ‘Trials And Tribulations’ which reminded me of vintage louder XTC – I’d wager these cats kick up a shitstorm in a sweaty club with the volume turned up. I look forward to hearing the complete record and not just a single or two – exciting times for new wave fans.FACEBOOK – TWITTER – SPOTIFY – MOSHI MOSHI RECORDS

 

Tidal Babes – ‘OMG’ Do I Like it? Fuck knows its got a great big funky bassline and a lush chorus but infectious pop melodies, described as bubblegum goth summer fun! is about right.  Potty mouth lyrics that come out of the blue won’t see it on BBC but who gives a shite about that?

Singer Lyndsi Austin and songwriter/producer Chris Qualls (Concord Music Publishing/Cutcraft Music Group) were attending a concert in Hollywood when they started discussing a potential new project together. Both grew up playing in rock bands but had switched over to making pop music for years. That night, inspired by the rock show they had just seen (and a little bit of whiskey), the two began brainstorming the foundation for a new band that combined all the things they loved about Southern California and it’s musical history; Surf rock guitars; The energy of Orange County punk rock; Beach Boys harmonies; The sassiness of the east LA socialites and fashionistas; Cruising down Sunset Boulevard.   Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

The Atom Age – Never Looking (Tiger Dream/Asian Man Records.)  The second single off their soon to be released album ‘Cry Til You Die’  mixing up some Rocket From The Crypt for sure (I never understand why more bands don’t invest in some saxophone)  Hailing from Oakland these guys are kicking out the jams for sure.  With a lineage hailing from The Sonics to the Hives they’re channeling some great shit into their own music and it’s paying dividends because if the single is anything to go by then the album is gonna burn. Facebook

City Under Siege – Freaking Out (Third String Records) Straight out of Buffalo NY City Under Siege.  this single precedes their debut album that the band are working on with Weezer producer Marc McClusky.  Its a big pop punk sound and one that will no doubt do rather well for the band who also head out on tour with Mark Rose (Spitalfield) and Ryan Dunson (Rookie of The Year) all across the good ole US of A.

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The Hip Priests – Deja F.U video

The Hip Priests – Deja F.U video

Our favourite purveyors of filthy Rock and Roll and 100% rock n rollers the hip Priests have knocked out a video in support of their latest single that can be found through the band’s page Here It’s their twenty-fourth single thus far and the band just get better and better.

 

They prepare for their Sjock appearance alongside their European dates with the mighty Electric Frankenstein just before they hook up with The Dwarves for a few dates (how cool is that?).  If you’ve not seen them live this is your chance. Get out there and support live music and top Rock and Roll bands – Tour dates Here 

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Mike McKinnon – Self Titled (Self Release)

Mike McKinnon – Self Titled (Self Release)

Having already played a part in what will inevitably be one of RPM Online’s albums of the year for 2019 (The Hip Priests’ ‘Stand For Nothing’ in case you have been living under a rock these past six months) Mike McKinnon, or “Silent Mike” as he was known during his time in Da Priests, is right now carving out a musical path that involves just him and an acoustic guitar.

Yup the man of normally few words (hence his old stage name) is back brothers and sisters and guess what? He’s just self released his debut 11 track solo album.

Recorded by Mike at his home studio during the months immediately after his departure from The Hip Priests ‘Self Titled’ is both inwardly reflective, and as the man says himself, “a far cry from what he’s ever done before.”

Spoken word opener ‘Arrogance/Ignorance’ sets the tone perfectly, and sums up Mike’s mission statement in just forty five seconds. Not an easy feat by any stretch of the imagination, but sometimes less really is more.

‘You Picked the Right Time’ is the track Mike initially previewed via social media so I guess he already realises this is perhaps his ace card, it’s a tune that stands out from the pack and I for one would love to hear this one afforded a full studio makeover, perhaps even with a backing band.

Vocally Mike reminds me at times of both Ken Stringfellow and Billie Joe Armstrong so he’s certainly no slouch in this department, it’s just that for me, it took a few listens to get fully acclimatised to his rather unique style – one which tends to see him singing more towards the top end of his register. Once I was in however the likes of ‘Save Myself’ and ‘We’re Not Okay’ really are hook laden blasts of acoustic pop, with Mike even out swearing his old band mates during the latter.

When McKinnon steps down an octave or two vocally like his does on the excellent ‘Disaster Slide’, the sombre ‘Your Goddam Face’ and the verses of the introspective ‘Taking Forever’ there is an extra dimension to his storytelling and his use of double tracked vocals is something that really does make his songs stand out. With rumours circulating that Mike will be touring this record later in the year it will be really interesting to see what he does with these tracks in the live environment, and maybe that band idea I suggested above isn’t such a bonkers one after all?

Before all that though there’s the not so insignificant matter of getting ‘Self Titled’ out there on the streets, which it is already via the usual streaming platforms and via Mike’s Bandcamp page. The plan being to then release this hugely impressive debut set of songs as a CD along with a tie-in 7” sometime later in 2019 something I’d love to see not least because these tracks are crying out to be properly housed within the awesome Jay Millette drawn cover art (textured sleeve a must).

Mike McKinnon is one of those characters punk rock throws up from time to time that makes you stop and think about life and sometimes it’s just the simplicity of a man and an acoustic guitar that does this best.

Intrigued?

Go on – hit the links below and tell Mike RPM sent you

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Author: Johnny Hayward